Dravid and Laxman need to be counted ... again

It is said that lightning doesn't always strike twice. India however, is in dire need of a repeat performance.

On 14 March 2001, Rahul Dravid and V.V.S Laxman rewrote the record books at Kolkata and transformed a Test match that Australia looked destined to win.

Wind the clock forward to December 2003, and the same pair will be called upon to repeat that feat on the third day at Adelaide.

India reached stumps on day two at 4 for 180 (Dravid 43 not out and Laxman 55 not out), trailing Australia's mammoth first innings of 556 by 376 runs.

376 you say? That's right, it should ring a bell.

At Kolkata in 2001, Dravid and Laxman added exactly 376 runs in their record breaking fifth wicket partnership.

On a pitch that is still conducive to batting, Indian fans will be hoping for something similar.

After Australia posted its 556, with Ponting contributing a personal Test-best 242, India looked comfortable at 66 without loss in reply.

Enter Andy Bichel. In the space of 20 deliveries, the hardworking Queenslander captured 3 for 9, dismissing Chopra for 27, Sehwag 47, and snaring the key scalp of Tendulkar for 1.

A short time later, a mix-up between captain Ganguly and vice-captain Dravid, saw the skipper run out for 2.

All of a sudden, the tourists found their first innings in tatters at 4 four 85.

By stumps, Dravid and Laxman had added a further 95 runs.

They did so without fuss, and seemingly, very little trouble.

With the follow-on figure set at 357, the pair will need to do the bulk of the work if India is to avoid the possibility of consecutive innings.

Teenage wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel is listed to come in next, and then the bowlers - Agarkar, Kumble, Pathan and Nehra.

The pitch is true and the forecast is for fine weather.

The first hour on the third day will be pivotal.

If the Australians don't claim a wicket, the heroes of Kolkata will be buoyed and on their way.

Their final destination will be fascinating.

At this stage for India, Australia's 556 is barely visible on the horizon, but who knows, perhaps the cricketing gods will unleash another electrical storm on December 14, 2003 with the lightning bolts to descend on the Adelaide Oval.

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